Decimal to binary conversion machine



1953 A. w. BowYER E'AL 2,647,689

DECIMAL TO BINARY CONVERSION MACHINE Filed Nov. 29, 19560 9 Sheets-Sheet l 1940050 A/ Baa rm 5701/ #2552; 5";-

A ttorney.

4, 1953 v 'A. w. BOWYER ETAL 2,647,689

' DECIMAL TO BINARY CONVERSION MACHINE Filed Nov. 219-, 1950 n 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 QGDGDGDGDGDQGDGD FIG. 3. H3

25 23 &\

Aftorney.

Aug. 4, 1953 A. w. BOWYER ET AL 2,647,639

DECIMAL TO BINARY CONVERSION MACHINE Filed Nov. 29, 195Q 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 4, 1953 Filed Nov. 29, 1950 A. w. BOWYER ETAL DECIMAL T0 BINARY CONVERSION MACHINE Rsad FIGS.

9 sheet -sheet 4 PUNCH MAGNET MAGNETS A v In 2 tor: I 010mm Al Bourm JOl/N aver/mm;-

Aug. 4, 1953 A. w. BOWYER ETAL 2,647,689

DECIMAL To BINARY CONVERSION MACHINE Filed Nov. 29, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 5A;

1953 A. w. IIBOWYER ET AL 2,647,689

DECIMAL TO BINARY CONVERSION MACHINE Filed Nov. 29, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 g m i Af prney multiplication and division.

Patented Aug. 4, 1953 "DEGIMAL TO. BINARY CONVERSION MACH NE Aldred'W. Bowyer and John R. worth, England,-assignors to Machine Company Limited,

a British company Cartwright, Letch- British Tabulating London, England,

Application November 29, 1950, Serial No. 198,068 In Great Britain December 15, 1949 21 Claims.

This invention relates to keyboard operated record card punching machines and more particularly to such machines in which the number to'be punchedis expressed in one notation, and means are provided 'fcr'automatically translating th'isvalue to a secondnotaticn and punching the value expressed in'this second notation.

'The' use .of the binary notation leads to considerable simplification in calculations involving Thus itmay be deshame :to design large scale digital computing machines to operate in'this notation, even though the initial data will normally be expressed in the decimal notation and thus require translation before entry. When the entry of data for such a machine is effected by the sensing of punched record cards, it is convenient for the cardsto'recordthedata in binary form.

Accordingly, it is'anobject of the present invention to provide a record card punching machine in which the operationof keys representinga decimal value causes the binary equipment of thisvalue to be punched in the record card.

According to the invention, a key operated automatic punch punches in a record in a single line instep by step manner the binary equivalent --of a value set on a-keyboard in decimal notation.

In the preferred form of the invention, the

decimal value set on the keyboard is transferred .to a first group of registering relays, from which half the value is transferred to a second group of relays, this'halved value then being re-regis- -tered on the first group.

This alternate transfer takes place for a fixed number of cycles at least sufiicientinnumber to reduce the successively halved value'to zero. For each value an indication is obtainedof whether the value is even or oddzandthis is used to control the operation of the spacing and punchingmechanism of the punch.

Theinvention will vnow be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l-shows a perspective view of the keyboard.

view of the'key and key the decimal value in the 'co-de'l; 2, 4, 8.

plan view of the keyboard.

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the control cir- I cults.

Figure '5A'is a circuit diagram ofithe relay circuit forefiecting successive-halving of a deci- .valueexpressed'inzthe. code 11, 2,4, 8.

(Figure 1) Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of the relay circuit for effecting successive halving of a decimal value expressed in the code 1, 2, 3, 5.

Figure '7 is a circuit diagram of an alternative relay circuit for effecting successive halving of a decimal value expressed in the code 1, 2, '4, 8.

Figure '8 shows a record card suitable for use with a'punch constructed according to the inven-- tion.

Figure 9 is a timing chart.

Figure 1G is a detail View of escapement mechanism.

Figure 11 is a partial circuit diagram of an alternative form of control circuit.

Figure 12 is a partial section of the punch showing the punching mechanism andgenerally corresponds to Figure 5 of U. S. Patent No. 2,318,299.

Although the invention may be applied to various forms of keyboard operated card punches and verifier-s, it will be described by way of example as applied to a punch of the type shown in United States Patent 1,976,618 as modified by a readout means as seen in Figures 41), 5 of 2,318,299 which will hereinafter be termed the reference patent.

part of the punch Keyboard The decimal data which is to be punched is set up on a multi-denominational keyboard 9 The keyboard, which is connected to the punch by a cable l7, provides keys for entry of a ten denomination number, the keys 8 being divided into ten vertical columns representing the denominations 1-6 to 10 the lack of any punchin in a vertical column representing zero (0). Horizontally, the lowest row of keys represents the digit 1, the second row the digit 2, and so on up to 9 (Figures 1 and 2). No keys for 0' are provided, so that if the digit 0 occurs in the-value to be set, no keys are depressed in the related denominational row.

Four keys l2, 13, Hi and i5 are provided to allow control of machine functions incidental to punching. Key [2, thePunch key is used to initiate punching after'the decimalnumber has been set up on the keyboard. The Release'key l3 allowsthe card to be freed to move to the last column position for ejection. The Binary key It provides for mits all the depresed decimal keys to be released at will.

A space bar I0 operates directly the spacing mechanism of the punch sothat column spacing Figure 2.

may be effected when the automatic spacing controlled by the translating mechanism is not in operation.

A manually settable l2-position rotary switch 16 selects one of the twelve punch selector magnets for operation. The space bar bar It) and the operation keys l2, l3, l4 and 15 are of the non-locking type. The entry keys 3 are held locked in their depressed positions until released electro-magnetically. This enables the operator, having set up the required decimal number, on the keyboard, to check that it has been correctly set up before depressing the Punch key to initiate the automatic punching of the binary equivalent.

The mechanism employed for locking and releasing the keys is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3. Each key 8 is provided, as is usual, with a compression spring 22, surrounding key shank l4, and tending to hold the key in the upper position. The key shank l4 has a locking projection 24 which is engaged by the upper end of a key lock bar i when the key is depressed, thus holding the key in the lower position. The bars l5 extend the length of a vertical column of keys 8, one bar being provided for each row (Fig. 2). At each end of bars :5, longitudinally considered, the bars [5 are pivotally attached to slidebars l2 by pins 21. Springs l6 fixed at one end to the slide bar and at the other to the key lock bar tend to rotate the bar l5 in an anti-clockwise direction (Figure 3) and thus hold it against stops 26 secured to the slide bars.

When a key 8 is depressed the related bar I5 is moved clockwise against the action of the spring 16 until the top end of the bar is able to engage the projection 24 in the key shank. If a second key 8 in the same vertical column is depressed, the bar It is again moved clockwise, so that before the second key is latched, the first key will be unlatched and returned by the spring 22 to the upper position. This is ensured by providing a very slight taper on the part of the bar l5 which engages the projection 24. The taper is such that the bar l5 needs to move through a lesser arc to disengage it from the projection 24 than to engage it. Consequently, as the second key is depressed, the projection of the first key is disengaged from the bar and then rides up the tapered edge of the bar under the action of the spring 22. Thus depression of a key eifects the return to the upper position of any previously latched key in the same column.

The slide bars 12 are held together at each end by bars IS, the right hand bar 19 being shown in The bars l2 are mounted in four brackets 13, two brackets being shown in Figure 2, near to each end of the bars, in such a manner as to allow of horizontal movement. Two springs 11 secured to the bar 19 and pins I8 on the brackets H5 at the right hand end tend to move the slide bars 12 to the left (Figure 2). This movement is limited by stops 28 on the bars l2 contacting the brackets 13. The springs I! are stronger than the springs 16, so that depression of a key causes pivoting of the bar [5 and without appreciable movement of the bars l2.

The right hand bar l9 has secured to it an armature which is attracted when electromagnet 2| is energized. When magnet 2| is energized, the bars [2 are moved sufiiciently far to the right (Figure 2) for the bars l5, engaging with stops 26, to be drawn clear of the key shanks l4, so that all depressed keys are released for restoration by their springs 22.

The key shanks 14 extend downwardly to engage with a stack of one or more contacts 23 mounted on an insulating block 25. The number of contacts depends upon the decimal value of the key; however they are so adjusted that the uniform stroke of the key causes closure of all the contacts associated with that particular key.

The contacts 23 serve to convert the decimal representation of each digit to an equivalent representation in the code 1, 2, 4, 8. This is effected for each denomination by the circuit shown in Figure 4. A circuit is made from the supply line 28, through the closed contacts 23 associated with a particular decimal key which has been depressed to the appropriate combination of the output lines 29. Thus if the decimal key value 3 is depressed, then circuits are made to the lines 29 values 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that one such conversion circuit is provided for each decimal denomination.

Relay translating circuit The translation of the decimal number, set up on the keyboard, to the binary equivalent may be efiected by the circuit shown in Figure 5A.

The method employed is that of performing successive halving operations on the entered value and determining at each operation whether the units digit is even or odd. If the digit is odd, then a binary digit is present in the corresponding binary denomination and the fact is recorded by punching a hole in the card in the proper columnar position.

By way of example, the translation of the decimal number 129065 will be considered. During halving, an odd units digit is treated as the next lower even digit and halving is continued until the value is reduced to zero.

Binary Binary Value Digit Index 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 3 0 4 1 5 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 10 1 11 l 12 l 13 1 14 1 15 1 l6 0 17 Thus the decimal number 129065 is expressed by the sum of the following binary powers:

to the decimal denominations 10 10 and 10 and certain relays pertaining to the denominations circuits :for the denominations are similar .to that of the denomination 110 1511.?! 510 "The 10 to 10 10%.

When :the decimal number is set up by depressing the keys .8 on the keyboard 9, the related contacts '23 (Figure 2) will .be closed and throu h the circuits shown in Figure 4, one or more of the lines 29 will be made live in each denomination n which akey was-set.v These lines Hare connected (FigureSA) to four relays in the appropriate (1 nomination. Thus if the digit 7 is set in the denomination 1-0 then the lines 29 I), (2) and (4) in this denomination will be connected to the supmy l ne o energ zi elays R9 R! a d R! In this man er, he ec mal value is re s er d n the relays n the left h nd of Figure A, exres ed n th code 1.. 2. e. 8. in ach den m nation.

It the de imal s odd, then the 1 value e ay B22 in the units denomination will b nergi ed, l s ng contacts R2211. Thus a c rcuit for ener i in relay RE! will be p epared fr m line 4, relay c ntacts 322s (shifted re ay R21 to ine v3. This relay R21, if energized. causes. a punch selector magnet to operate, thus punching a hole in the olumn of he card which is un er the punches. If relay R2? is not energized, hen an automatic spacing operation without hunc ing occurs to move the next column of the ca d under the pun hes. durin punching of the'first column of the card i. e. when the value registered on the left hand group of relays agrees with that set up on the keyboard.

Half the value registered on the left hand group of relays (Figure 5A) is entered on the right hand group of relays by the, circuits made from line 5 through the networks comprised by the contacts of the left hand group of; relays. The keys 8 are then automatically reset, thus deeenergizing all the left hand group of relays.

The value registered on the right hand group of relays is then entered on the left hand group of relays and at the same time relay R52- is energized if the value. is odd. The energization or non.- energization of relay R52 controls punching or spacing as in the case of relay R21.

The right hand group of relays are tie-energized and then reeenergized to represent half the value registered on the left hand group. The cycles then continue as described with successive t a s fers and accompanying spacing or punching controlled by relay R52 until they are automatically stopped after a given number of columns of the card have moved past the punch position. The operation of these circuits will be described in greater detail in connection with the operation of the machine as a whole.

Figure 8 shows one way in which an 80ecolumn record card of well known type may be utilized for recording binary Values, only parts of the card being shown.

Along the lower edge of the card are shown the column numbers and along the left hand edge the index point positions which obtain when such a card, is used for recording decimal numbers in normal accounting operations.

The card is. divided into two main sections or fields, columns I738 and 4 to18. Each of these fields is sub-divided into two further fields, a value field of 32 columns and a control fieldof 6 col umns. In the value field, each binary number is recorded horizontally across the card, by punch Relay R2] is effective only ing a .hole where a binary digit occurs andle v ing aspace where a binary nought occurs. Since there are twelve index point positionait is possible to record twelve binary numbers, each of thirty-two digits in each :of the two value fields. Asan example, in index point positionzisshown recorded the binary .number 1911100. It will be appreciated that the decimal number .to. be punched must be such :that .it may be expressed by thesum of a series of binary terms, thehighest of which is 2 The control field is provided to allow operas tional instructions relating to the particular Humher to be recorded. Thus, according to a, particular code, the punching in columns 33 and 3.5 might .mean that the value recorded in index point position 20f the first value field was to :be read into a particular storage unit of the computer and the punching in the second control held in index point position 7 that the related value was tobe squared.

In the present machine, the index point posie .tion in which recording is to take place is deter mined by setting the switch 16 (Figures 1 and 5) to the appropriate position, thus selecting the re-v lated punch selector magnet. The card is then positioned in the punch carriage so that either column I or-column 4;! is under the punches, depending upon which value field is to be punched.

After the decimal number has been set-on the keyboard, the Punch key l2 (Figure 1) is depressed. The decimal number will then be automatically translated to the binary value, and this will be punched in the chosen position on the card. If the binary number is of less than thirtytwo digits, the card will be automatically spaced so that finally'the-first column of the control :field lies under the punches. The card carriage is halted at this point by astop clip, the use of which is well known in connection with this type of punch.

Any required data may now be inserted in the control field by operation of the Binary key 14 (Figure 1') and the space bar In, the Binary key eifecting punching in the same index point position as that in which the value hasbeen recorded. Finally, the Release key is may be operated to allow the card to move to the last column position for ejection to the card hopper. If the first field has just been punched and it is required to punch a number in the second field, thecard may be manually spaced to column 41, the new number set on the keyboard, the switch 16 reset if necessary, and a second operation carried out.

The card punched in the way'set out above may be sensed whilst at rest or in motion by any well known means, in order to read the punched information into the computer or other machine. if sensing whilst in motion is utilized, it is preferable to feed and sense the card in endwise manher, that is, in substantially the same manner as that in which it is fed in the punch.

Control, circuits Although the punch mechanism employed is substantially similar to that of the reference patout, the control circuits dilfer considerably and will therefore be described in some detail.

When main. switch 3!] (Figure 5) is closed, lines Zand 3 are connected to the power supply. With the card carriage in the last column position to which it will normally be set when the machine is first brought into operation, thecontacts .31 are closed so that relay R4! will be energized. The contacts 3| are mountedadjacent to the punch carriage and are engaged by a projectionthereon so as to be closed only when the carriage is at the last column position. Operation of relay R47 causes the motor control contacts H to be closed and latched, thus completing the circuit for the motor M. As described in the reference patent, the motor M (Figures and 12) will return the card carriage and cause the feeding of a card on to the carriage. The contacts H will be unlatched mechanically when the gear driving the carriage reaches the extreme position, that is, when the carriage is at the point of card pick up.

The contacts H are latched in the following manner: When relay R41 is energized, contacts R47a close and complete a circuit to the eject magnet 60. The eject mechanism operates, without result in this case, since there is no card in the carriage. However, the operation of the eject mechanism closes contacts 32, the spring loaded rack which moves to shift the card gripper also engaging an insulating block attached to one of the contacts 32 to thereby close the contacts. A circuit is then made from line 2, relay contacts R410, (shifted), contacts 32 (shifted), RBI to line 3. The movement of the armature of the magnet Bl (Figures 5 and 12) closes and latches the contacts H and also operates to engage the clutch of the motor M, so that drive is transmitted to the shaft controlling movement of the card carriage.

Depression of the Space key closes the space contacts to provide a circuit to space magnet 62, to cause a single column spacing of the card carriage. vides a circuit to magnet R49. The magnet R49 when energized, causes the card carriage to be released to the last column position in the usual manner.

One of the punch selector magnet R63 (Figures 5 and 12) is connected into circuit by setting the switch and the chosen magnet may then be energized either by depression of the Binary key l4, or through the chain of relay contacts, that is, with R52a and R58e or and with R481) closed.

When one of the selector magnets is energized, it selects the related punch l2l for operation by moving an interposer 12B and this also causes punch bail contact to close, thus energizing punch magnet R85, which actually causes punching to take place and also allows subsequent spacing of the card to the next column, as explained in the reference patent.

Key release magnet R64 (Figure 5) referenced 2| in Figure 2, may be operated by depression of the Clear key 15 or by closure of contacts R53d.

Relays R53 to R58 form a timing circuit which governs the successive halving and transfer of the decimal value by the relay groups shown in Figure 5A. The start of the cycle of operation is determined by the closing of contacts 33 and the end by the opening of contacts 34. These two sets of contacts are operated by the spacing mechanism of the punch, thus interlocking the operation of the relay halving circuit with the mechanical operation of the punch, the overall speed of the machine being determined by the speed of operation of either the relay circuit or the punch, whichever is the slower.

In Figure 10 is shown a partial view of the escapement mechanism of the punch. Shaft 36 is rocked clockwise by the movement or the punch actuating plate (not shown) to effect spacing.

magnet The Release key 13 on closure pro- R271) and R510 closed Attached to the shaft 38 is an arm 38 carryin at the other end two insulating strips 39. r The strips 39 engage the spring contact blades of the contacts 33 and 34 which are mounted on an insulating block 31, so that when shaft 36 rocks to initiate a spacing movement of the card carriage, contacts 33 are closed and contacts 34 are opened. Except when shaft 36 is rocked clockwise and then returned to normal position at the beginning of the spacing operation, the contacts are in the position shown in Figure 10.

Machine operation In order to illustrate the sequencecf operations which take place during the translation of the decimal number and punching of the binary equivalent, a typical example will now be considered.

It will be assumed that the value to be translated is 1073741917. This value is set up on the keyboard 9 (Figure 1) by depressing the appropriate keys 8, which remain locked in the lower position, closing the related contacts 23.

In the denomination 10 the 1 value key is depressed so that a circuit will be made from line 28 (Figure 4), which is connected to line 2 (Figure 5A) by a line not shown, through the closed contact 23 (I), line 29 (l), the value 1 relay, R4 in denomination 10 (Figure 5A), to line 3.

In the denomination 10 the value 0 is to be entered so that no keys are depressed and no circuit is made to the relays in that denomination.

In the denomination 10, the value 7 key is depressed thus making circuit in parallel from line 28 to the lines 29 (l), 29 (2) and 29 (4) as will be seen from Figure 4. Thus the relays R22, R2! and 20 will be energized (Figure 5A). In similar manner, the appropriate relays in the intermediate denominations will be energized to register the decimal value in the code, 1, 2, 4, 8, in each denomination.

Since no circuits are established at this time to the holding coils of relays RI, R2, etc., if a value has been incorrectly set on the keyboard it may be corrected and the relays relating to the incorrect setting will be de-energized by the breaking of the circuits through the key contacts. This connection may be effected by depressing the correct key when, as already explained, the incorrectly set key will be released to the upper position or by depressing the Clear key to energize the key release magnet R64 (Figure 5), thus clearing all the set keys and then reentering the complete number.

When the decimal number has been correctly set on the keyboard, the Punch key 12 (Figures 1 and 5) may be depressed to start the translating and punching operation, it being assumed that a card has been positioned with column I under the punches and that switch l6 has been set to select punching in the required line of the card, for example, that corresponding to digit position 2.

On depressing the Punch key (Figure 5), a. circuit is made from line 2, key contacts [2a (shifted), relay R48, contacts R50a (normal) to line 3, to energize relay R48, which sets up a holding circuit through the shifted contacts R48a. Contacts R480 close to provide a circuit from line 2, contacts R570 (normal), contacts R480 (shifted), line '4 (Figures 5 and 5A), through the shifted :1 contacts of any relays of the left hand group which are energized, the hold coils of the same relays, to line 3.

.half the value. registered; on. the

Ii'i the value. of: the: entered number add. in the denomination; 109'" will" be" energized i and there-1 williibe. a)... circuit .from line then relays R22:

4, contactsrRzia (shifted-i e relays R217? to.v liner. 3.

Theolosing' ofztherPunchikew also makes-a cir cuit 'fronn lines 2.? (Figure 5:):-,.,key; c'ontaots' no, contacts R5tdri (normalr, relay:- R5=-l: tO.-'1inel 3. Relay R51 closes. the" contactsz: R51 to energize the -2 =J -punch selectonmagnete. tromsliiie .-2,: con taste- R2 (shitted contacts R510: (shifted;)-,, contacts R4 81) ('shiited)-,.."2?" position: or i switch 16, 2 punch selector." magnet-R6311 (not. shown).- to line 3. The punch selector magnet; operates the punch: interposerr which alsorrcloses the punch hail. contacts 35;. thus energizing: the punch ma'gnetRfli. to cause-operation of the punch and consequent spacingiorrthercard car riage to the nextcolumnposition; Thustaipen for'ation punched' in column: I? ot'theercardiat the? digit position:-

theexample? being: consideredi. the units rigur s seven, so that relay-R21 istzoperated. Ii. the units-figure had: been even; the relay R27: would not have been energized; and?v alternative circuit would have been-set: up from line: 2;. contacts R5lb- (shifted), contacts Rim: (normal), magnet-R62 to line The magnetZ'RBZ is the space magnet, so that; in: this caseythe card carriage is spaced to the next column: without punch-operationa ln spacing to the nextcol umn, the shaft: 3 6 (Figure i0) is rockedgthusclosing" contacts 33 (Figure i' o' and Figure-e) Relay -R5 3 is then energized by a: cir'euiti'romline 2, contacts: R5911 (normal), relay R55;- contacts (shifted), tailin -3, and the" contacts R5 3cclose toprovidea holding circuit across contacts 33.

The contacts R5317 shflt' to break" the circuit fromline '2 to line -1, thus: breaking the. holding circuits of" therelays in: the right hand group orni'gurese, Since; at this stage; no value is registered on than, the operation is redundant. *ontacts R5321 close to energize the key release magnet R 64; returning" all keysto the: upper position and opening all the contacts 23;

Contacts R53a (Figure 5) close, thus energizing relay R54. The contacts' Rfaw -then provide aholding circuit from line I, relay R54, contacts R555 (shiftedt', contacts Rita (normal), contacts at (normal) to line 2, which iscompieted when the esoapementshaft 36 returns to normal position, thusclosing'contact's 3E: Relay R55 is energized by the closing. of contacts R5'4a.

ContactsR55c close'to completes, circuit from line 2; contacts R550 (shifted) to line 5". From line: 5 a number ofv parallel circuits-bare made through the contacts of operated. relays: of the left hand group (Figure 5) so that the relays of the right hand group: are: energized to: register left hand group.

In denomination relay R4 (Figure 5A) is energized. whilst in. denomination 10 no relays are energized,v to register the first. two digits 10 ofthe value 1073741917. Acircuit will be made fromli'ne 2,,contacts' R550 (shifted),. (Figure 5),

(Figure 5A), con- R9c' (normal), re-

circuitruns from line 5', contacts Rda" (shifted) tacts' RBb (normal), contacts 'lay RM to line 3. A: parallel contacts -R ia' (shifted), contacts-RIM (normal),

relay- RIB, to line-'32 Thus relays Bil-3 and RI5 are energised to represent the value "5 in denomination-51o".

In" denomination "1.0 the. value registered. is "11 so that relay RIF is energized, whilst in contacts R2557)" (normal),

I energize relay R58.

denomination. 10, relays-R20, RM and: R22. are energized to register the-value 7. In consequence, at-. thistime there will be acircuitirom line 5, contacts Rl8a: (shifted), contacts R1917. (normal), contacts" R200. (shifted), contacts RZlc. (shifted), relay R23; to line. 3. Thus'8 is registered. by the energization of relay R23, as the result of. halving sevenand adding; a carry ofg'value. live; from. the-higher denomination.

Int similar manner, the right hand? group, of relays in the intermediate denominations will be: energized. appropriately, to register half the initial: value: that-is, the Value 536870958. 011. the right, hand, group: of relays- Cf'ontactsREtbv open to break: the holding; circult: of relay R53, which is. thus de-energized allowing: contacts R531) to close, so establishing holdingcircuits for. the energized relays of' the right hand group-through. their (1 contacts from line: I; For example, one such circuit r-unsfrom line 2, contacts R5312) (normal) (Figure 5)., line 7*, contacts Rl3a- (shifted) (Figure 5A):, relay Rlftto line 3'.

Contacts R5511 close to establish, a circuitfrom line 2, relay R56, contacts Ra- (shifted) to line 3. Relay R56 establishes a holding circuit through contacts. R56a (shifted) and contacts M (normal) andin sodoing-breaks theholding circuit for relay R54 at contacts. 1156a, thus do,- energizing relay R54, which in turn.;de-energiz,es relay R55. Accordingly; contacts; R5563" open, breaking the circuit to" line 5, holding circuits for the right hand" group of relays. having-:been established-from. line; 1:.

Contacts R561) close to energize relay: R51, from line 2, relay' R51, contacts'R5'6b (shifted), contacts R589 (normal), to: line 3. Contacts R510 then open to: break the holding; circuitior the left hand: group: ofrrelays of Figure 5A,from line so that-zero is then. registered? on; this group.

Contacts R5112 close to provide a holdingycir-a cuit through contacts R5821 (normal) and: con-. tacts 34 (normal). Contacts. R5'1a also close to A holding circuit is then established from line 2', relay R58, contacts: R587) (shifted), contacts 34 (normal), to line 3. The shifting of contacts R5871 also breaks the-holdiiig oircuitfor relay R51, thus tie-energizing this relay and restoring the holding circuit; for the left hand group ofrel'ays through contacts R5112.

Contacts Rilila close to provide a circuit. from line 2, contacts 1258a (shifted), line 5; contacts .R'ISb (shifted), relay Rato line 3; Similar circuits willbe set up through the b contacts of all the right hand group of relays which are energized to cause registration on the left hand group of relays of the number already registered on the right hand group.

Contacts R5861 shift to open the circuit to relay R5! as a safety measure, in case the Punch key II (Figure 5) has been held depressed longer than is necessary.

Since the value 8 is registered in the lowest denomination of the right hand group of relays, relay R52 (Figure 5A) will not be energized through the contacts R260, so that the space magnet R62 will now be energized from line 2, contacts Rl tc (shifted), contacts R52 (normal), magnet R52 to line 3. This will cause spacing of the card carriage to the next column without punching taking place, Operation of the spacing mechanism. will, as already explained, close contacts 33 and open contacts 34, thus de-energizing relay R58 and energizing relay R53for the start of the next cycle of operation.

The relative timing of the various operations is shown in Figure 9. The space contact 33 opens and breaks the holding circuit for the right hand group of relays (Figure A) which is re-made when relay R55 operates (R. H. hold R53). Relay R55 in operating also makes the circuit to line 5 to cause registration of half the value on the right hand group of relays (R. H. entry R55). The registration having been effected, the hold circuit for the left hand group of relays is broken to return their registration to zero (L. H. hold R51). They are then re-energized to register the value registered on the right hand group of relays, this circuit being broken when contact 34 opens (L. H. entry R58).

With relay R53 energized, a second cycle of operations will commence and will carry through the same sequence of operations as described above. At the end of this cycle, both sets of relays will be registering the value 268435479, being half the value registered on the previous cycle. Since the last digit is odd, relay R26 and, consequently, relay R52, will be energized. There will thus be a circuit from line 2, contacts R52a (shifted), contacts R58e (shifted) contacts R481) (shifted), selector magnet 2, to line 3, to cause punching of a hole in column 3 and spacing to the next column.

In this manner, the cycling will proceed automatically until column 32 of the card is reached. If the decimal number is reduced to zero by successive halving before this time, then automatic spacing will take place until column 32 is reached. This is so, since relay R52 cannot be energized under these conditions.

As already noted, when the punches are over the first column of the control field of the card, automatic operation must be suspended and this is effected by the skip-stop mechanism closing the skip contact 45. Relay R59 is then energized and holds on through the shifted contacts R595. Contacts R5911 open to break the circuit to relay R53, thus preventing further automatic cycling. When the Punch key is depressed to commence punching of a new decimal number, the hold circuit for relay R59 is broken at the key contacts I212. The relay R48 should be deenergized before operating the Punch key again, by depressing the Clear key l5 which energizes relay R50, thus opening contacts R5911 in the holding circuit of relay R48.

Having reached the end of the value field, any required data may be recorded in the control field (Figure 8) by appropriate operation of the Binary key which operates the chosen punch selector magnet 53 directly and the Space key (Figure 5).

In certain applications, the decimal value may already be available in coded form, such as, for example, the code 1, 2, 3, 5. In Figure 6 is shown one denomination of a relay circuit suitable for use with this code, and which may replace the circuit shown in Figure 5A.

For example, the lines 29 (I) and 29 (5), in Figure 6, may have been energized to indicate the value 9, thus operating relays R28, R29 and R31. When line 5 is energized, there will be a circuit from line 5, contacts R2811 (shifted), contacts R281) (shifted), relay R33 to line 3, and a further circuit from line 5, contacts R2801. (shifted), contacts R2912 (shifted), contacts R3|e (shifted), relay R35 to line 3, thus registering the value 4 on relays R33 and R35. The carry of five to the next lower denomination is registered 1 2 on relay R36 by a circuit from line '5, contacts R2811 (shifted), contacts R2911 (shifted), contacts R3la (shifted), relay R36 to line 3.

It will be appreciated that a number of denominational units as shown'in Figure 6, may be combined to form a multi-denominational unit of the same form as that of Figure 5A, which has already been described. Each denominational unit would consist of groups of relays similar to R28 to R35." In the lowest denomination, the line 4| would be connected to relay R52 (Figure 5A) to operate it when the number registered was odd.

If the punch is designed to operate at high speeds, it'may be desirable to increase the speed of operation of the relay-halving circuits. This may be achieved by the use of amodification (Figure '7) of the circuit of Figure 5A. 7

In the circuit initially described, the valueis halved only when transferring from the left hand group of relays to the right hand group. In the modified form, halving is effected when transfer takes place in either direction. The relays R38 to R4! (Figure '7) are similarly connected to relays R8 to RH (Figure 5A), so that half the value is transferred to the relays R43 to R46. These latter relays are also provided with contacts wired in similar manner, so that in transfer to the relays R38 to R, the value is again halved. In the lowest denomination the two relays corresponding to R21 and R52 (Figure 5A) are so connected that'their contacts are alternatively effective to control punching and spacing, instead of that corresponding to R2! being effective only during punching of the first column of the card, as described in connection with the operation of the complete circuit of Figure 5A.

It may be desirable to combine the value and control fields into a single field, and punch several numbers consecutively within the field. As an example, the case will be considered in which the full field of 38 columns is used for recording three separate numbers, twelve columns being allocated to the first number, twelve columns to the second number, and the remaining fourteen columns to the third number The keyboard is split into three sections of four, four and five decimal denominations respectively. Each section is provided with independent key release mechanisms each similar to that used for the full keyboard. Since the first number has a maximum of twelve binary digits, the corresponding decimal number is 8191, which is'within the compass of the four denominations of the first section of the keyboard. Similarly, the second number also requires four denominations and the third number requires five denominations, the greatest possible decimal number being 32767.

The three decimal numbers are set on the appropriate sections of the keyboard. When the Punch key i2 is depressed, the-first number is set up on the translating relays as previously described and punchin of the equivalent binary number occurs until thethirteenth column is reached. The second number is then transferred from the second section of the keyboard to the translating relays and controls punching of the next twelve columns. Finally, the third number is transferred to control punching of the remainder of the field. The translating circuits used may be any one of those already described, althoughthat of Figure 5A will be particularly referred to. The modifications -and additions necessary to the-control circuit of Figure 5 are shown in Figure 11.

A columnselector (Figures lland 12) similar to that described in the reference patent and comprising a common contact strip [00, a brush m and individual contact strips'lllz, is employed tocontrol the sequential transfer of the numbers. When the punche are over column of the card, the brush. HH jolnsthe strip I08 with thefirst of the strips I02, so that the corresponding plug socket IE3 is connected to line 2 and similarly for the'other columns of the card. For the present example, plug connections are made from the plug socket Hi3 corresponding to column l2 to the plug socket I05, from the twentyfourthrsocket I03 to the socket I05 and from the thirty-eighth socket Ill-3 to the socket N11.

The connections for the relay R22 representing the value 1 in the denomination 10 are modifled as shown in Figure 11. The wire 29 (i) from the first section of the keyboard is connected directly to the relay R22 as was the-case for the full keyboard. Thecorresponding wire 29:: (I) fromthe second section. of the keyboard is connected through normally open contacts R'Hld, whilst the wire 29b l) fromthe third sectionof the keyboard is connected through normally open contacts Rl2d. The other wires 29 for the denominations 10 ,10 10 and 10 are similarly connected through further contacts controlled by relays R10 and R12. In the denomination 10 only the wires 2% are connected to the corresponding relays through contacts controlled by relay R12. since there is no correspondin denomination provided onv the first and second sectionsof the keyboard. Thus, with neither relay R15 nor relay R12- energized, the setting of the key contacts 23 (Figure 4) of the first section of the keyboard isoperative to control the translating relays (Figure 5A). With relay R-l' Q energized, the first andsecond sections of the keyboard. control the translating,- relays, whilst with relaysR'lDand R12 energized, all, three sections of the keyboard are operative. However, as will be explained, the keyboard settings-are clearedin succession during the punching, sothat, in-fact, only one-value is. ever entered at any-particular time on to the translating relay.

Since the. wires 29 are. connected directly to the translating relays, as already noted, when r the numbers have been set onthe keyboardand the Punch key depressed, the first number will be translated andpunched into the. first twelve columns of the card in the manner already described in. connection with. the full keyboard. When column. I 2 is reached, there will be a circuit from linev 2, common strip HlILbrush: 101-, con,- tact H12 for column 12, plug socket. I03, plug connection (not shown), to plug socket. l05. When relay R58. (Figure 5)v is energized in the usual way to cause punching in, or spacing over, col.- umn [2, contacts R581 (Figure 11) closeto' extend the circuit fromplug socket [35, contacts R58 (shifted), relay R10, to line 3. Contacts R1011 close to provide a holding circuit fromli-ne 2, contacts R5503 (normal), contacts- R'wa (shifted), relay R10 to line 3.

Contacts, RIM. and similar contacts. in the other wires 29a close to connect the second section of the keyboard tothe four lowest, denominations of the translating. relays R22, etc. (Figure. 5A). The setting of the first section of the keyboard was cleared. by energization of the key, release. magnet R641 when. contacts R53d (Figures 5 and 1.1,) closed during the first. cycle of translation of. the first number, so that none of the wires 29 is now connected to line 2 through. thekey contacts 23 (Figure 4). Accordingly, the number set up on the second section of the keyboard, will now be registered on theleft hand group of relays of Figure 5A.

Duringthe last cycle of translation of the first number, relay R26 (Figure 5A) may be energized to represent the value I.

When relay R58 (Figure 5) is. energized, this registration would normally be transferred to relay R22, by the closing of contacts R5812, in the manner already described. To prevent this transfer, which might incorrectly add one to the registration of the second number, two normally closed contact are inserted in series with contacts R26?) (Figure 5A). One of these contacts (not shown) is operated by relay R1!) and the second by relay R12. Thus during the registration of the second and third numbers, the trans fer circuit between relays R26 and R22 is broken.

The circuit for energizing relay R53. (Figure 5) is modified to the form shown in Figure 11. Consequently, when relay R70 is energized, contacts R700 (shifted) prevent relay R53 being energized when contacts 33 closeduring the spacing from column #2 to column !3.

Contacts R'Efib close to energize relay R'H. This relay is slower acting than the translating relays, so that sufficient time is provided for them to set up.

The circuit of relay R5l is modified as shown in Figure 11, so that circuits may be made through contacts RHb and R731), in addition to the circuit through contacts R58d which is made when thePunch key is depressed. Accordingly, relay RSI is now energized through contacts R! [b (shifted) and controls punching or spacing according to the state of relay R21, as previously described.

Contacts R'Hc close so that when spacing from column I3 to column [4 occurs after the energization of relayR5l, a circuit is made from line contacts R275 (normal), contacts R210, (normal), contacts R'ilc (shifted),.relay R53, contacts R551) (normal), contacts 33 (shifted), to line 3. Relay R53 is energized and closes contacts R530, making a circuit from line 2, contacts R53d (shifted) magnet R64a, contacts R! la (shifted) to line 3.. This magnet is the key release magnet for the second section of the keyboard, so that, this setting is now cleared from the keyboard, the number being left registered on the left hand group of the translating relays.

Relay R53 also energizes relay R54 (Figure 5) as previously described, which in turn energizes relayR55. Contacts R5501 (Figure 11) open thus de-energizing relay R15, which in turn deener'- gizes. relay R7 I.

The relays R56, R57 and R58 are energized in turn, as described, to effect punching or spacing for column 14'. Relay R53 is then energized again to starts new cycle of translation and punching, the circuit being made through contacts Rmc' which are now closed.

The punching and translating cycles occur to record the second number on the card until col,- umn M is reached, when a circuit is made from line 2 (Figure 11), common strip Hil brush IOI, contact strip l2for column 24, plug socket I03, plug connection (not shown), plug socket- )6, contacts Rfiilh (shifted), relay R72, to line 3. The relays R12 andRl3 correspond to the relays R70. and RH, respectively, so that their eners 15 gization will bring about the registration and clearance from the keyboard of the third number, in the manner described above for the second number.

Accordingly, punching of the binary equivalent of the third number will occur until colum 38 has been reached. Whilst the card is at column 38, a circuit will be made from line 2 through the column selector, plug socket I01, relay R14, to line 3. Relay R14 sets up a holding circuit through contacts R'Ma (Figure 11) and Punch key contacts [20 (Figure the relay R59 (Figure 5) not being used. Contacts R141) break the circuit to relay R53, thus preventing this relay setting up and the punch carriage comes to rest at column 39, the three numbers originally set up on the keyboard having been translated and recorded on the card in the required fields. The card may then be fed out to the hopper by pressing the release key or spaced to the commencement of a new value field.

It will be appreciated that the relay R14 is similar in function to relay R59 and if desired this latter relay could be operated by suitable plugging from a column selector instead of by the skip contacts shown (Figure 5) It is possible that, due to some mechanical failure in the punch, the card might not be fed the full number of columns. If the failure occurred at, say, column 31, the operator might not notice that the full field had not been punched, and feed the card out as correct. To guard against this possibility, the signal lamp I04 is provided. When the carriage has moved to the end of the field, relay R14 is energized, closing contacts RMc. Thus if the carriage has reached the correct position, when it stops, the lamp I04 will be lit. If, however, the carriage stops and the lamp 104 is not lit, because contacts R140 have not closed, then the operator is given Warning that a failure has occurred.

We declare that what We claim is:

l. A key operated automatic punch comprising a keyboard having keys arranged for the setting up of values in decimal notation, means for halving repeatedly the decimal value set up on said keyboard, and means controlling the punching of a record at spaced intervals after each halving operation in accordance with Whether the value prior to each said halving operation is odd or even, thereby recording representations of the successive digits of the binary equivalent of said decimal value.

2. A key operated automatic punch comprising a keyboard having keys arranged for the setting up of values in decimal notation, a first group of relay means for registering the decimal value set up on said keyboard, circuit means for repeatedly halving the registered value, and means for controlling the punching of a record at spaced intervals after each halving operation in accordance with whether the value before each said halving operation is odd or even, thereby recording in form of punch data representations of the successive digits of the binary equivalent of said decimal value.

3. A key operated automatic punch comprising a keyboard having keys arranged for the setting up of values in decimal notation, :a first group of relay means for registering the decimal value set up on said keyboard, a second group of relay means for repeatedly halving the registered Value, and means controlling the punching of a record at spaced intervals after each halving operation when the lowest digit of the value prior to each halving operation is odd, thereby recording in form of punch data representations of the successive digits of the binary equivalent of the decimal value set up on said keyboard.

4. A key operated automatic punch comprising a keyboard having keys arranged for the setting up of values in decimal notation, a first group of relay means for registering the decimal value set up on said keyboard, a second group of relay means connected in circuit with circuit means for repeatedly halving the registered value, punch means for punching a record, means for moving said record with respect to said punch means after each halving operation, and means for operating said punch means prior to each of said halving operations only if the value before halving is odd, thereby recording in form of punch data representations of the successive digits of the binary equivalent of the decimal value set up on said keyboard.

5. A key operated automatic punch comprising a keyboard having keys organized for the setting up of values in decimal notation by the depression of selected keys, means for halving repeatedly a decimal value set up on said keyboard, punch means for punching data in a record, means for moving said record with respect to said punch means through a predetermined distance as controlled by said halving means after each halving operation, means controlled by said halving means for operating said punch means prior to each halving operation only when the value at that time is odd, and manually operable initiating means for initiating the operation of said halving means and said punch means, thereby recording in form of punch data representations of the digits of the binary equivalent of the value set upon said keyboard only on operation of said initiating means.

6. A key operated automatic record punch comprising a keyboard having keys organized for the setting up of values in decimal notation by the depression of selected keys, a first group of relays, means operated by the depressed keys for registering on said first group of relays a decimal value set up on said keyboard, a second group of relays, means for alternately transferring the value from said first group to said second group and from said second group to said first group, means for halving the value at least on each transfer from one said group to the other said group, punch means for punching data in a record, means for moving said record with respect to said punch means through a predetermined distance, after each halving operation, and means controlled by said relays for operating said punch means prior to each said halving operation when the value then registered is odd, thereby recording in form of punch data representations the successive digits of the binary equivalent of said decimal value.

I. A key operated automatic recording punch comprising a plurality of depressible keys organized for the setting up of values in decimal notation by the depression of selected keys, a first group of contacts controlling relays, means operated by the depressed keys for registering on said relays a decimal value set up on said keys, a second group of relays, circuit means including contacts of the relays of said first group for selectively energizing the relays of said second group to register on said second relay group half the value registered on said first relay group, means for transferring the value registered on said a second group of relays, circuit second relay group to said first relay group, the said value being repeatedly halved and transferred from said first relay group to said second relay group and the halved value being transferred unaltered to said first relay group after each halving operation, punch means for punching data in a record, means for moving said record with respect to said punch means through a predetermined distance on each transfer cycle between said groups of relays, and means controlled by said groups of relays for operating said punch means when the value registered on said first group of relays is odd, thereby recording in form of punch data representations of the successive digits of the binary equivalent of said decimal value set up on said keys.

8. A key operated automatic record punch comprising a plurality of depressible keys organized for the setting up of values in decimal notation by the depression of selected keys, a first group of contacts controlling relays, means operated by the depressed .keys for registering on said relays a decimal value set up on said keys, means including contacts of the relays of said first group for selectively energizing the relays of said second group to register on said second relay group half the value registered on said first group, means for transferring the value registered on said second relay group to said first relay group, the said value being repeatedly halved and transferred from said first relay group to said second relay group and the halved value being transferred unaltered to said first relay group upon completion of each halving operation, punch means for punching data in a record, means for moving said record with respect to said punch means through a predetermined distanceafter each second transfer between said groups of relays, and means controlled by at least one of the relays of said second group representing the lowest denomination for operating said punch means when the value registered on said second group of relays is odd, thereby recording in form of punch data representations of the successive digits of the binary equivalent of said decimal value set up on said keys.

9. A key operated automatic record punch according to claim 8, comprising also means operated by at least one of the relays of said first group representing the lowest denomination for operating said punch means when the value registered on said first group is odd, the said means being rendered operative only when the value registered on said first group of relays is the same as the value set up on said keys.

10. A key operated automatic record punch comprising a plurality of depressible keys organized for the setting up of values in decimal notation by the depression of selected keys, a first group of contacts controlling relays, means operated by the depressed keys for registering on said relays a decimal value set up on said keys, a second group of contacts controlling relays, circuit means including contacts of the relays of said first group for selectively energizing the relays of said second group to register on said second relay group half the value registered on said first relay group, circuit means including contacts of the relays of said second group for selectively energizing the relays of said first group to register on said first group half the value registered on said second relay group, means for cancelling the registration of either relay group upon transfer of the said value to the other relay successive digits of the binary equivalent of said decimal value set up on said keys.

11. A key operated automatic record punch according to claim 10, comprising also manually operable means for initiating the repeated transfer of the value from one of said relay groups to the other and the operation of said punch means.

12. A key operated automatic record punch ac cording to claim 11, comprising also a key lock bar for retaining said depressed keys in depressed position, by said the said lock bar and releasing said keys.

13. A key operated automatic record punch comprising a plurality of depressible keys organto register on said second relay group half the value registered on said first relay group,

group to said second relay group, means con- I the relays of said first grou representing the lowest denomination of value registered is odd,

means for operating said lock bar and releasing said keys.

14. A key operated automatic record punch depressible keys organvalue in decimal notaof suitable keys, a first group of contacts controlling relays comprising f'our relays 'for each decimal 1 denomination and representing 1', 2, 4- and 8 respectively,-- a similar second group of relays; means operated by the tion ofeach: halving operation,

means for can- .celling the registration of either relay group upon transfer of the-said. value from therespective group, punch means for punching data in a record-,.means-for moving arecord with respect to said. punch means-through a predetermined distance .upon completion of each transfer from said-firstirelay group to said. secondrelay group,

. and means controlled. by the relay representing 1 inthe lowest denomination in each groupfor operating said punch means when the value reg- ,istered: on either =said relay groupisodd, and :means renederingoperative the control-of said .punch means by said first. group of relays only .When. the value registered by said first group is the sameas that set up on said keys.

..15. A key. operated automatic punch comprising av keyboardhaving keys organized for the setting. .up ,of vvalues in. decimal notation by the depression. of selected keys, an initiating key, meansior eiiecting repeated halving of a decimal value setup on said. keyboard punch means for punching a record, means for moving a record reilative to said punch means .upon completion of ea-ch halving operation, means for operating said punch means when the value after a halvin operation is odd, and a chain of control relays controlling the sequence of operation, the first relay of said chain being operable bysaid initiating key andby said. means for moving the record on each .moveme'nt thereof, andthe remaining relays of saidchain being energized sequentially, each under'the control o'f the relay pre chain.

ceding it in said '16. An apparatus for recording the binary equivalentof a decimal value comprising a group ofrelaysmeans' for registering on said relays ai'de'cim'al value, said' decimal' value registered,

means for repeatedly halving and means for marking a recordsuccessively and distinctively upon completion or each halving operation. dependingon the halved value being odd or even.

"17. apparatus: for

recording the binary 'equivalentof a decimal value comprising a group of relays, means for registering on said relays a decimal value, means: for repeatedly halving said decimal value; the said halved value being registeredpn'saidgroup, after each halving, and

means' controlled by'said relays for marking arecord distinctively upon completion of each halving operation inaccordance: with whether the value registerednonsaid. group of relays is odd-or even.

-18; An-apparatus for. recordingthe binary equivalent of. a decimal value comprising a-ifirst group ofrelays; means for registering tonsaid. relays awselected decimal value, a secondgroup of relays, means for registering on saidsecondgroup of-relays half ithe valugregistered-on said'rirst group; means for transferring the halved -.value to :said first group ofwrelays, meansfor marking .group of relays,.means for setting upon said first group ofurelays in-decimal notation a selected decimal value, asecondgroupofrelays; means for alternately transferring the value from said first group to said second group and from said second group-to said first group; meansfor halvingethc value. at least on :each transfer from" oneesaid group to the othen said group;.means for punching arecordymeans for moving saidrecord relative to said punch means through a predetermined distance upon completion ofleach halving operation,

, and:means controlledrby saidtrelays and operating said punchameansprion-to eaclr said'halving-toperation when the value-registered is odd,-thereby recording on said record representations of the binaryv equivalent -'of-:the:=decimal -.-value initially registeredion said first grouptof relays.

20. A keyoperatedzautomatic punch as claimed in claim 14, having a plu-rality of punches; each punch being. adapted to :be selected for operation bythe interpositionziof. a selector moved ;by an ielectnomagnet; a-.plurality-of electromagnets each adapted to operate a-respective onerof the selectors; andmeanszfor :selecting one" out of the pinrality of -'electromagnets.

. 21. A-key operated'automatic punch asclaimed in' claim 14, having azfurther' keyiiior: direct. entry of binary values withouttranslatiomandanelectromagnet adapted. to operate a punch interposer,

thereby rendering. the 'said further key operative for'. the.- purpose :aforesaid.

ALDRED WLBOWYER. J OHN? .R. CARTWRIGHT.

"References Cited in the.fileof this-patent "UNITED" STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,085,120 Potts- June 29,.l93'7 2,473,444 Rajchman June 14,1949 72,536,955 Palmer Jan. 2,.1951 

